Lake Fishing

Fishing has been slow due to the cold, snowy weather.

Chatuge: Spotted bass and largemouth bass are hitting large bass minnows, Bombers, crankbaits and jerkbaits at depths of 5 to 10 feet. Silver and black lures are getting the best results. For more information, call 389-6465.

French Broad River: Smallmouth bass action has been good when the river is flowing clear and low enough for fishing, said fishing guide Chris Manderson. The key to fishing this time of year is to be patient, target deep pools off the main current, and fish during the warmer parts of the day. Use deep-diving crankbaits for best results. For more information, contact Manderson at 216-1336 or visit www.whitewatersportsman.com.

Julian: Largemouth bass are hitting plastic worms. Catfish are hitting nightcrawlers and chicken livers. Tilapia are hitting doughballs. For more information, call David Blynt at 684-0376.

Santeetlah: Marina closed for the season. For more information, call 479-8180.

Call Duke Power Co. at 866-332-5253 to check generating schedules for the Nantahala and Tuckasegee rivers or to check lake levels for Bear, Cedar Cliff, Glenville, Nantahala, Queens Creek, Tanasee and Wolf lakes, or visit www.nantahalapower.com/nantahala/lakes/schedule.

For information on trout fishing in national parks, national forests, and other Western North Carolina streams, call Roger Lowe at 743-3768, Kevin Howell at 877-4181 or 888-861-0111, Shane Buckner at 252-3005 or 800-227-6732 or Richard Witt at 274-3471 or 877- 450-3474.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Email this article

Fishing report

Bob Satterwhite compiles the fishing report for lakes and streams across Western North Carolina.